For more than 40 years, The Empty Stocking Fund has made the holiday season brighter for people in need throughout Northern New Mexico.
The Empty Stocking Fund is a project of The Santa Fe New Mexican. All administrative costs for the program are shouldered by The Santa Fe New Mexican and a coalition of community partners.
Established to help meet the needs of people experiencing financial challenges during the holidays, the fund accepts contributions — both cash, and, more recently, donations of home services — throughout the year. Our Mission Statement: The Empty Stocking Fund collects donations that are distributed during the holiday season to meet essential and basic needs of individuals and families in need residing in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba Counties.
To apply for a gift from the Empty Stocking Fund, people submit applications. Eligible candidates are then invited to an in-person interview, and if they are approved, funds are distributed.
“The funds given to each approved applicant vary depending on need,” explained Susan Cahoon, The Santa Fe New Mexican’s human resource director. “We try to help as many people as possible, which is why we meet applicants in person to assess each individual situation.” If an applicant’s need goes over the guidelines set, the committee discusses the request to see if it can be filled.
To donate, make your tax-deductible donation online by clicking the link on this page or you can mail a check to The New Mexican’s Empty Stocking Fund c/o The Santa Fe Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1827, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1827. Cash and coin donations are always welcome and any donation can be dropped off at the offices of The New Mexican at 150 Washington Ave, Santa Fe.
Applicants who do not have access to a computer can complete an application online at the following locations, free of charge:
- Santa Fe Public Library, Main Branch, 145 Washington Ave.
- La Farge Branch Library, 1730 Llano St.
- Southside Branch Library, 6599 Jaguar Drive.
- New Mexico Workforce Connection, 525 Camino de los Marquez
All applications will be reviewed by the Empty Stocking Fund Committee. The committee will consider every applicant who meets the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, creed, place or country of origin, age, disability, ethnicity, color, gender identity, marital status or sexual orientation. Applicants must provide a Social Security number, or their request will not be funded. The information from the initial application will be verified if the applicant is selected for assistance.
Watch for upcoming items in the newspaper featuring requests for assistance from local residents.